Uterine Artery Embolization
What to Expect

The uterine artery embolization procedure itself is not painful and general anesthesia is not required. 

1. A small amount of intravenous sedation is given to relieve anxiety and provide for mild pain control. 
   
   
2. The skin in the groin region is then numbed using a local anesthetic (i.e., liodocaine).  A small skin incision, about inch in length, is made. 
   
   
3. The interventional radiologist then places a small tube about the size of a piece of spaghetti into the artery. This small tube is called a catheter. 
   
   
4. The catheter is advanced under x-ray guidance until it is close to the artery that supplies the uterus. 
   
   
5. Liquid called contrast is injected through the catheter providing a map of the artery. Special catheters can then be placed far into the uterine artery. 
   
   
6. Tiny plastic particles (polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA), about the size of grains of sand, are then injected through the catheter. These particles travel with the blood flow into the small arterial branches that supply the fibroid. When the particles get to the smaller arteries they get stuck and block the artery. This results in a loss of blood supply to the fibroid. 

Without blood flow, fibroids cannot survive. They begin to shrink and in some cases may completely disappear.

How long does UAE take to perform?

A woman might expect to come to the hospital in the morning on the day of the procedure. The procedure will usually take about 30-90 minutes to perform. Following the procedure most women will experience pain resembling menstrual cramps that will generally be treated with pain medications. These pain medications will initially be given by intravenously, but will rapidly be converted to oral medications for most women. Most patients will return home the day following this procedure.

Where is UAE performed?

UAE is usually performed in a hospital setting. The procedure is available at both Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. The close alliance of these hospitals with Women and Infants Hospital has given our staff many years of experience in treating gynecological bleeding disorders.

Possible risks

Information in this section is provided by Rhode Island Hospital's department of radiology, which offers a complete range of diagnostic and interventional procedures for women, including uterine artery embolization, a leading treatment for fibroid tumors.

Back   |   Women's Health

Lifespan | 167 Point Street Providence | RI 02903 | ©2009 Lifespan
Website Terms of Use | Patient Privacy Policy